Agrees with Mayo's conclusion against Frere's suggestion that Rajputana line should be given to Bombay and Baroda Company; Argyll strongly against Guaranteed Company system even before he knew Lawrence supported direct Govt construction; surprised to discover William Thornton (Head of India Offic...
Acknowledges Mayo's letter of 26 December; explains circumstances surrounding appointment of Lord Napier (C-in-C, Bombay) as Mansfield's successor as C-in-C, India, which had led to complaint from Mansfield; regarding change in C-in-C's position suggested by Mayo, Argyll needed to consult some me...
Problems caused by over 50% cut in recruitment to Indian Civil Service suddenly proposed by Mayo; ICS examination is very severe; such diminution can be made, but only with due notice; for this year only a smaller cut can be agreed; undue growth in number of posts filled by uncovenanted civil ser...
Defends Council of India from Mayo's imputation that adverse features in reply to his despatch of 18 Oct on education was due to them; Argyll believes government by telegraph dangerous in such grave matters.
Mayo will have been disappointed at home authorities' response to proposed military reductions, but 'Indian requirements cannot absolutely rule questions affecting the constitution of the British Army'; Argyll opposed to experiment of large Local European Army; Lord Napier (new C-in-C, India) opp...
Argyll and Political Committee of Council unanimously approve Mayo's proposal to create a new central agency for native states of Rajputana and Central India; Sir G Clerk urges there should not be too many local officers as 'young Politicals are apt to interfere vexatiously with the native Prince...
New claims in respect of home military charges now being made by War Office and Treasury against Indian revenues: 1stly that under principles already admitted India is not paying enough, 2ndly that as India employs about third of the army she ought to bear third of all military expenditure; latte...
Foreign Office fears on policy towards Persia in Persian Gulf, and danger of taking too local and Indian a view; Zanzibar subsidy to Muscat one of very few questions Argyll has taken to Cabinet who are unanimously opposed to it – Argyll thinks it an unjust use of British power; crisis on home mil...